Program Overview

Department of Journalism

The Department of Journalism offers a comprehensive program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field of journalism.

Major Requirements

To graduate with a degree in Journalism, students must complete a minimum of 29 credits at the 2000+ level in journalism through a mix of required and elective classes. One or more internships are strongly encouraged to provide students with professional experience prior to graduation. One internship may be taken for 3 elective credits in journalism.

• Required Journalism Major Courses:
  • JOUR1002 - Press in America (a 1000-level history of journalism course that fulfills a General Education requirement)
  • JOUR2000W - Newswriting I: Learn the essentials of reporting and writing in a nonfiction, clear, journalistic style.
  • JOUR2001W - Newswriting II: Hone the essentials of reporting and writing nonfiction; expand skills into longer, in-depth pieces.
  • JOUR2065 - Mobile Journalism: Learn how to produce journalistic multimedia content using a smartphone, including still photography, audio and video.
  • JOUR3002 - Ethics: Use the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, as applied in extraordinary circumstances and day-to-day reporting.
  • JOUR3020 - Media Law: Learn the history of media law and libel and how it is used today.
  • JOUR3030 - Multiplatform Editing: Use knowledge of lead-writing, AP Style & article construction to edit and lay out pieces (online & print) so they are interesting, fair & balanced.
  • One (1) advanced JOUR course: Use reporting, writing and design techniques learned in earlier classes as a foundation to produce in-depth written pieces or visual news stories.
  • Two (2) elective JOUR courses: Expand your knowledge in a particular area or try something new.
  • Portfolio series: These two, 1-credit JOUR courses result in a professional website students can use to promote their skills and gain employment.

Required Media Kit

Students will need the following basic items for most journalism classes:

• iOS device: Apple iPad mini, iPhone, etc.
• Students will be asked to upload inexpensive apps
• 1 terabyte portable hard drive

Optional Multimedia DSLR Kit

The DSLR option is designed for students who wish to compete at a higher level in the new media job market:

• DSLR capable of video and audio recording, such as Canon EOS Rebel T8i or the Sony Alpha a6 100
• Terabyte portable hard drive
• Lavaliere microphone

Plan of Study Forms

Plan of Study forms are available for download in various formats.

Internships

More information about journalism internships can be found on the Internships page.